In the plan, culture is defined as “our collective beliefs and customs expressed through visual arts, history, literature, theater, dance, music, food, architecture, media, design and fashion," and in 2015, DAH began soliciting opinions from area residents regarding cultural opportunities in Boise.

More than 1,000 surveys had been returned by February of this year, and city officials began compiling data and working on a draft of the Cultural Master Plan, which has five phases:

Develop cultural policy

Enhance and preserve neighborhood places

Maintain and develop cultural assets

Foster organizations and partnerships

Expand cultural resources for individuals

The Department of Arts and History began Phase 1 by holding two public meetings—on May 3 at City Hall and on Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Boise Public Library—to get more feedback from the community before moving on to Phase 2.